Davao Dialect: Learn Bisaya or Cebuano
Majority of the population in Davao use Cebuano or the Visayan Dialect in their day-to-day conversations. Tagalog (or the Filipino Language) is also used by some people and mostly in business. If you are a Tagalog-speaking traveler, don't be surprised if you sometimes hear a different kind of Tagalog (somewhat grammatically wrong, but perfectly acceptable in Davao -- a carabao Tagalog, so to speak.) The typical Dabawenyo is also able to comprehend and speak the English Language. If you are a foreigner, you should be able to communicate with the Dabawenyo in English just fine. If not, begin by asking questions that are answerable by Yes or No.
Speaking the dialect that Dabawenyos use is a sure way to gain more friends with these naturally friendly people. Below is a list of the most commonly used words. Hopefully, this will get you started in the Cebuano Dialect. This dialect is actually easier to master (and widely used throughout the Philippines) than the Filipino Language.
Short Guide to English and Cebuano Translation
| English | In Davao we say... |
| A few Simple Words | |
| Yes / No | O / Dili |
| With / Without | Naa / Wala |
| Have / Don't have | Naa / Wala |
| I / We | Ako / Kami |
| You / They | Ikaw / Sila |
| He / She | Siya |
| Who / What | Kinsa / Unsa |
| Where / When | Asa / Kanus-a |
| Why / How | Ngano /Paunsa |
| Man / Woman | Lalaki / Babae |
| Small / Big | Gamay / Daku |
| Hot / Cold | Init / Bugnaw |
| Near / Far | Doul / Layo |
| Open / Close | Sirado / Abri |
| Fast / Slow | Paspas / Hinay |
| Greetings | |
| Good morning | Maayong buntag |
| Good afternoon | Maayong hapon |
| Good evening | Maayong gabii |
| Introduction | |
| I am [your name] | Ako si [your name] |
| How are you? | Kumusta ka? |
| I'm fine | Maayo man |
| Other useful words | |
| Thank you | Salamat |
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~ Paul Theroux ~
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